Introducing Ria Crawford as the last in our series of Crafty Women to celebrate. Ria’s passion is in felting and she started out with creating custom creatures and other little trinkets for her customers. Named after her first baby, Maisie, Ria’s Maisie Moo brand focuses now on creating patterns for various characters and she finds a lot of happiness and satisfaction seeing how people who use her pattern come up with something totally different each time.
Hear what Ria had to say for herself in the interview below.
- How did you come up with the idea of launching your own brand of sewing patterns?
My first-born Maisie inspired me initially, hence the shop name. I originally started sewing in 2010 when I made a baby mobile and felt wall art for her nursery. From there I started to create for friends and then opened my shop on Etsy. After maternity leave, I decided not to return to my banking job and focused on my Etsy shop. I was lucky I had a constant stream of custom orders and at some stages was working to a 4-month completion time. I would receive many requests for my designs. I realised then why not offer my designs as digital patterns. I have not looked back and now focus solely on pattern design.
- What do you like about your job as a designer?
Having an idea and then designing the pattern is quite thrilling. But the greatest joy is seeing what my customers make from my patterns.
- Do you work full time as a creative?
I would say part time as I am also a stay at home mum to my two beautiful girls. The flexibility of my job means I can help out at their school, with sports and try to keep the household running smoothly.
- What obstacles did you face in launching your brand of patterns?
Nothing major… maybe designers block or when something you think up just does not look right in reality. These are generally overcome quite quickly with positivity and belief in my designs.
- What are – beyond the quality of your patterns – the little tips that have allowed you to succeed?
Good old-fashioned customer service. I try to be here for all my customers, to help them along the way. My patterns are aimed at children and beginners so I understand that even the basics can be daunting and want their sewing experience to be as seamless as possible.
- What advice would you give to someone who wants to start designing patterns? What is the most important thing you have learned?
Go for it! I think the most important thing it to stay true to yourself and your own style.. it will then shine through in your designs.
- What did selling patterns bring you?
A sense of achievement, to know that others like my patterns enough to pay for them and then return again and again keeps me inspired.
- The world of DIY is a world that changes quickly: how do you see things for the next few years?
The unknown is exciting! It is always good to keep abreast of trends, fashions and fads and evolving to suit whilst saying try to your vision.
- Do you have support from friends and family, please tell us how they have helped in your journey to success as a designer.
I have a wonderfully supportive husband who is brutally honest in all I design. My parents have played a big part in Maisie Moo over the years and our family is so blessed to have them live just around the corner.
- What has been the proudest moment of your journey so far?
One of my designs was recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts magazine which gave me a few warm fuzzies.
I have to say though that I feel my proudest when I hear my girls explaining to people what I do, they love the fact their mum makes ‘cute animals’ and teaches others how to make them too. They are the reason I chose this path and I feel so lucky to have built a business that means I can be here for them whenever they need me.
Check out our other interviews below:
